THEOSISDimitri of Rostov
Elkanah and his entire family traveled annually from their town to Shiloh during the appointed time set by the law to present offerings to the Lord God Almighty through the hands of Eli, the high priest.
Shiloh was located within the territory of Ephraim, near the center of the promised land, on this side of the Jordan River. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan and took possession of the land promised to them, the tabernacle established by Moses, often referred to as the temple of the Jews, was erected there. It was a place where the Hebrews gathered for prayer, celebrations, and communal meetings. Today, only remnants of the ancient city can be found.
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Eli served as both high priest and judge of Israel, coming from the line of Ithamar, Aaron's youngest son. He was the first individual to merge spiritual and civil authority in Israel. Eli's gentle nature earned him the love and trust of the people, and he was known for his sincere sense of justice, which led to their blessings. However, his kindness sometimes bordered on weakness, particularly in his interactions with his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These priests behaved improperly in the tabernacle, prompting the Lord to punish them with a disgraceful death in battle after multiple warnings.